Astros' Freudis Nova: Protected from Rule 5 draft

Nova was added to the Astros' 40-man roster Friday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

Nova isn't particularly close to being big-league ready, but the team invested seven figures in signing him back in 2016, and didn't want another team to scoop him up in the Rule 5 draft. Improving his approach and getting to his power and speed more in games will be a priority when he heads to High-A this season.